Asheville – As Asheville navigated the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Mayor Esther Manheimer provided a detailed update on the community’s recovery efforts and the process for accessing federal disaster recovery funds. The announcement came during a press release on February 22, 2025, addressing concerns about the timeline for the recently allocated resources.
Federal Disaster Recovery Funding Explained
On January 7, 2025, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced a $225 million Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) allocation for Asheville. Mayor Manheimer clarified that this allocation did not equate to immediate funding availability. “Receiving any portion of the $225 million requires us to follow a federally mandated and time-bound process before we can start recovery projects,” she stated.
To access these funds, the city must develop and submit an Action Plan to HUD, which includes a data-driven needs assessment and public engagement. The planning process began on January 17, with nearly 7,000 residents participating through surveys and community meetings. The public engagement period was set to conclude on February 26, with a draft plan scheduled for publication on March 4. “Staff have been meeting with residents, business owners, and stakeholders across Asheville to ensure this plan reflects the most pressing needs of our community,” Manheimer noted.
City Council Actions on Storm Recovery Initiatives
While awaiting federal funds, Asheville has already utilized other available resources, including FEMA’s Public Assistance program. During a City Council meeting on January 14, several key recovery initiatives were approved. These included an emergency contract for repairs at the North Fork Water Treatment Plant and $624,000 authorized for rental assistance through the Helene Recovery Housing Assistance Grant Program in partnership with Buncombe County.
Additional initiatives included upgrades to water treatment plants and improvements to neighborhood water distribution systems. The council also authorized repairs and replacements at Burton Street Park. These actions demonstrated tangible progress in recovery efforts while the city awaited federal resources.
Support from Federal and State Leaders
Mayor Manheimer expressed gratitude for the support from local federal representatives, including Congressman Chuck Edwards and Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd. She emphasized their commitment to advocating for swift relief and funding release. “They were sent to Washington to represent the people of North Carolina, and I have no doubt that if there were a way to expedite the process, they would be leading the charge to make it happen,” she remarked.
Addressing Concerns About Federal Policy
The mayor acknowledged growing concerns regarding federal workforce reductions and their potential impact on recovery efforts. While uncertainties remained, she expressed hope that local congressional leaders would prioritize Asheville’s urgent needs. “We remain hopeful that our congressional delegation and federal agency partners will continue to prioritize our urgent recovery needs,” she stated.
Asheville’s recovery process is ongoing, with a focus on collaboration and transparency. Mayor Manheimer encouraged residents to engage in public meetings and participate in the CDBG-DR public comment period to help shape the recovery plan for the city and region.